These seven questions form the backbone of Esoteric Book Club meetings. They are meant to spark discussion. They are meant to spark interest, enthusiasm and even controversy. You will try to get through them all if possible, though if an hour has been spent on one, that is okay too. The questions are related to the energies of the seven ancient planets. Again, this is for convenience and novelty, but will also allow for a greater understanding of the hidden esoteric forces at play in the universe, at least in relation to yourself and the book under consideration.

Sun - How did this book affect you personally?
Do you find yourself “changed” in any ways? Did it challenge you to broaden your horizons or break through any perceptual barriers? Did reading the book help you to understand yourself better or in new ways?

Moon- What kind of feelings did this book evoke?
Did the book inspire you or make you angry? Did you experience bliss or desire, or feel powerful? What kind of feelings did this book elicit? Did you feel confused? Did you feel like the author was being sincere, insincere or condescending?

Mercury- How would you compare this book with other books?
Contrast this book with others you have read, for example, books by the same author, with a similar theme, or similar subject matter. However, it is important to stay focused on the book that is under discussion that month or some (or all) members may find themselves totally left out listening to two members yammering on about some obscure books that the rest haven't (yet) read! It is also possible to compare the subject matter with cognate subjects. For instance, one could compare Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism, or indigenous South American magic with European witchcraft, or Mahayana Buddhism with Witchcraft, or Enochian Magick with other forms of Angelic Magic. You get the point. This again must be handled judiciously and the conversation maintained in relation to the book under consideration and not allowed to stray too far from the common interests of the group.

Venus- What did you love about this book?
What were some of the best things in this book? Did you like the book or not? What did you like even if your overall impression was bad. If you didn't enjoy it what sort of person do you think would? Did you like the aesthetic presentation on the cover, artwork and layout? Would you give this book as a gift and to whom? Do you see this book as a part of your permanent library or will you be selling or giving it away?

Mars- What did you dislike about this book?
This is essentially the opposite of the above. Even if you did like the book, what didn’t work? Was there anything that you disagreed with or made you angry? What would you have cut out? If you were writing a snarky and sarcastic bad review of this book, what might you say?

Jupiter- What are some positive benefits you can share from this book?
What were some positive messages or ideas within this book that you might be able to share with others? How do you think this book might help you to share with others generally? Did reading it help you to understand anyone better - perhaps a friend or relative, or even yourself?

Saturn – How do you think this book will affect you over time into the future?
To experience new ideas is to change. Reading this book has changed you. How do you think this change will affect you over time into the future? Did it expand the range of your current experiences or challenge your assumptions about the universe? How will this play out in your life? In what ways could you have enjoyed this book more if you'd waited to read it when you were older or perhaps read it when you were younger?

Differences of Opinion

This is a great place to meet with people from diverse backgrounds and to express all sorts of opinions. It is great to have diversity of point of view, and this should not be thwarted. On the other hand, it is important not to allow these differences to turn into unnecessary vitriolic conflict. This is especially true over the online forums.

This is an opportunity to learn skills in communication both inner and outer that will allow you to grow and evolve as a side effect of participation.

You will also find differences of opinion within the esoteric works explored. The intention of this group is to expose a wide number of people to a wide array of esoteric positions. We want diversity in all things, so that we can discover synthesis and unity at ever higher levels. But as we read books there will be times when this seems challenging. One author may assert that the magick wand MUST be made from hazel wood, another may INSIST upon almond wood. One author may ASSERT that prana should be circulated up the spine to the crown of your head. Another author may DICTATE that prana should travel to the third eye. These are different opinions and one may be right and another wrong. Or they both may be wrong. Or they both may be right. That is not the important issue. The important issue is to discover what may be useful and to avoid becoming “stuck” in any particular point-of-view.

Unfortunately, these sorts of differences may also lead toward unnecessary conflict. The most important overall issue is that we learn to communicate about these matters in a way that leads toward harmony within and without.